Images of the all-new 2011 Ford Ranger have been leaked onto the webosphere, ahead of its official debut at this year’s Australian Motor Show, due to kick-start in just a couple of hours.

I am glad to report that the new Ranger looks pretty good, more like the American pick-ups from Ford. The front nose looks larger and it carries a more aggressive demeanor. There are also side air vents that are placed on the front fenders. These vents should be there for aesthetic reasons only.The new Ranger which will also be available in a single cab form, with both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations is 7.5 inches longer, 1.7 inches wider and 2.5 inches taller than the outgoing model (for double cab). Wheelbase is also longer, by 8.6 inches.

There rear end is treated to two vertical taillights while the interior sports a double-binnacle instrument cluster, a display screen that is believed to be the trip computer on the centre dThere is also new lever-style parking brake. The double cab model has up to 20 different storage areas, along with a cooler that can fit 6 cans. Furthermore the glove box is also big enough to house a normally-sized lap top.

The all-new Ranger is offered with a number of engine options, both from the diesel and petrol families. The former is made up by a 2.2 liter Duratorq 4-cylinder with 374Nm of torque as well as a 3.2-liter 5-potter with 470Nm of torque. The sole petrol option is the 2.5 liter Duratec which is also flex fuel capable. Transmissions wise, there is a 6-speed automatic, a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed manual gearbox.ash and a four-spoke steering wheel. The new Ranger also comes with ESP with Traction Control , ABS, an optional Trailer Sway Control, Adaptive Load Control as well as Roll-over Mitigation. There is also a rearview camera system and Rear Park Assist feature.

The all-new Ranger was developed by Ford’s Australian arm and it will be manufactured in three regions including Asia, South Africa and South America. Asia will lead the way with Ford’s Thailand plant starting from next summer. The Ranger which is Ford’s global pick-up truck, dubbed the T6, will be sold in various markets, except US and Canada.
Continue reading to view more images of the 2011 Ford Range

Mitsubishi Racing Lancer joins the Lancer Evolution WRC car and Mitsubishi Pajero in rounding out the Japanese automaker’s rally racing lineup. Rally racing is done either in short stages as is the case in the World Rally Championship, or in longer races that span entire countries.

The brand-new 2009 Mitsubishi Racing Lancer has been specifically designed for the Dakar Series and other grueling endurance events spanning terrain too treacherous even for the Lancer Evolution WRC car.

In addition to a totally-new body and chassis that separate the new Mitsubishi Racing Lancer from the Pajero cross-country rally cars Mitsubishi has fielded in the Dakar and other rally races, the Racing Lancer sports a switch to a turbodiesel motor. Pajero cars used gasoline engines, as does the Lancer Evolution WRC cars. Diesel racing engines are relatively new on the world scene, though Audi has had great success with its R10 TDI race cars.

The use of turbodiesel engines in professional auto racing is a trend manufacturers across the world are beginning to take a look at. Diesel engines are known for their durability and huge torque numbers, and the Mitsubishi Racing Lancer is no exception. Spitting out more than 479 lb-ft. of torque, the Racing Lancer has been praised for its usable power delivery by the Mitsubishi Dakar Series racing team.

Said Mitsubishi Racing driver Hiroshi Masuoka after driving a Mitsubishi Pajero rally car equipped with an earlier version of this powertrain:

“The diesel version is overwhelmingly easy to drive thanks to its tremendous torque which is available over an even broader rev-band. It outperforms the petrol-powered car in terms of controllability over challenging terrain, as well as when accelerating out of corners and along high-speed straights. With the right set-up it would be comfortably faster.”

As detailed in the official Mitsubishi Racing press release below, the Racing Lancer offers that setup. With its storied history in rally racing series around the world, Mitsubishi continues to stay at the forefront of the science of making perfect rally cars.

With its first major redesign in seven years, GMC’s 2003 full-size Savana leaps to the forefront of full-size van capability, as the segment’s ultimate people- and cargo-carrier.

‘With surprising new features like all-wheel drive, a left-side entry/load door and unique side access panels on Savana Pro models, our new Savana is designed to provide customers with more than they expected,’ said Dave Kanous, marketing director, commercial vans. ‘But, beyond that, it also provides more of everything – from performance, safety, ride and handling to reliability and durability – that a commercial or personal-use customer could want or need.’

New Vortec V8s out-muscle competition
A newly available lineup of Vortec 4800, 5300 and 6000 V8 engines provides Savana with best-in-class power and/or acceleration and improved economy, reliability and durability. The V8s include redesigned induction systems and new mass airflow sensors for quieter operation. Their specially designed air cleaner can also provide more than double the normal filter life for lower maintenance costs.

The Vortec 4800 generates 50 more horsepower than the Vortec 5000 it replaces and mates to a standard Hydra-Matic 4L80-E four-speed electronic automatic transmission with overdrive. Rated at 270 hp at 5200 rpm and 285 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, the 4.8-liter is primarily used for heavy-duty service applications, such as the 2500 Series regular and extended-wheelbase cargo vans (8,600 GVW) and as the optional engine in 3500 Series commercial and motorhome cutaways.

The 285 hp Vortec 5300 produces 30 more horsepower than the Vortec 5700 it replaces. Linked to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed electronic automatic transmission with overdrive, the 5.3-liter generates 285 hp at 5200 rpm and delivers 325 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. With its ability to provide segment-leading acceleration, it is used mostly in light-duty applications. It is standard in the new AWD H1500 and 2500 Series models, and optional in selected G1500 and 2500 regular/extended passenger/cargo vans, depending on GVW.

As the segment’s most powerful V8, Vortec 6000, with 300 hp at 4400 rpm and 360 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, provides more than enough muscle for any heavy-duty hauling/trailering requirement. It links to a standard Hydra-Matic 4L80-E transmission, and is the standard engine for G2500/3500 regular and extended wheelbase passenger vans (8,600 GVW) and commercial and motorhome cutaway chassis.

Multi-port fuel injection is now standard in all Vortec 4300 V6 engines. The 200 hp V6 is the base engine in light-duty G-vans and mates to a standard Hydra-Matic 4L60-E transmission.

Automatic transmissions incorporate GM’s unique Tow/Haul mode, which reduces the frequency and improves the predictability of transmission shifts during trailering or heavy hauling.

New catalytic converter systems, with improved oxygen sensors and catalysts moved closer to their engines for improved cold-start performance, are now common for Savanas sold in all 50 states and provide LEV capability in California. In some systems, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions have been reduced by 70 percent by reformulating catalyst content and re-mapping engine controls. Together with advances in engine calibration, the new systems meet emission standards with 82 percent less precious metal used in converters than the previous vans.

Any of 10 different Savana models equipped with a Vortec 6000, automatic transmission and KL5 gaseous fuel-ready engine option can be fully converted to run only on compressed natural gas (CNG) or on CNG or gasoline (bi-fuel system). Alternative fuel systems are designed to meet the most stringent federal and California emissions requirements; models with an 8,500-lb GVWR also allow fleet and commercial customers to qualify for special credits provided by the government’s Energy Policy Act (EPACT). Alt fuel systems have the same three-year, 36,000-mile warranty as base gasoline vans (five years, 50,000 miles on emissions-related components), with certified GMC and Chevrolet dealers capable of handling any of the warranty work.

Outstanding ride, handling and braking
Redesigned three-piece, fully boxed frames available in 135-inch and 155-inch lengths offer 28-43 percent more torsional stiffness, depending on the model, and upgraded independent front suspensions provide outstanding ride and handling and more isolation from road noise. Front suspensions are modified versions of those used by GM’s highly successful full-size pickups and include larger diameter control bars (33mm for light-duty vans and 35mm for the heavy-duties).

Three all-wheel-drive ‘H’ models, joining the rear-wheel-drive G-vans, provide the best on-road, wet- or dry-pavement handling traction ever engineered into a full-size van. The H-vans’ full-time AWD system uses a viscous-coupled transfer case to continuously and imperceptibly transfer torque from slipping wheels to those with traction.

Standard power rack-and-pinion steering provides light-duty models with more nimble performance and quicker, more responsive feel. A unique mounting system also improves reliability in the steering gear. The integral power recirculating-ball steering gear in heavy-duty models also has been upgraded for better reliability and durability

New world-class, standard four-wheel power disc, four-wheel ABS brake systems, with a more efficient and durable HydroBoost hydraulic-assist power-brake booster and GM’s Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP), are standard on all vans. They provide shorter stopping distances, outpacing competitors on 60-, 70- and 80-mph-to-zero stops; more power for high deceleration stops; less maximum pedal force and pedal travel required during high deceleration stops; improved ABS control; additional alerts to system malfunctions; and additional reserve power assist to stop the van, if the engine stalls or is turned off. Brakes also provide better pedal feel, reduced pedal effort and travel, quieter operation during normal operation and up to twice the pad life.

Stronger, bolder and more innovative exterior
Bolder front-end styling – including grille, bumper, fascia, fenders and hood – also provides Savana with more brand distinctiveness. In addition, the underlying structure improves occupant protection and crashworthiness, and reduces repair costs. The extended front end includes a 3.9-inch longer hood, with new power-dome design; 3.9-inch longer/5.1-inch higher fenders, a bigger engine compartment and larger wraparound bumper system. Uplevel quad parabolic reflector optic halogen headlamps and larger, revamped taillamps enhance visibility and safety. Molding-free bodysides and a more aerodynamic, dent-resistant roof halo, available in seven matching body colors, provide smother appearance.

An ‘industry first’ 60/40 left-hand-side hinged door provides the segment’s most flexible passenger entry/cargo loading capability. Available on regular-length passenger, conversion and cargo vans, it offers complete driver’s-side access to the second-row seat/cargo compartment and third-row seat/rear compartment.

The Savana Pro model provides innovative access panels allowing easy access to the interior cargo areas. The panels operate via remote release fob or by mechanical release – a definite time saver for the vocational user.

New 16-inch wheels, now standard on all models, feature a family-common appearance that puts Savana into step with GMC’s other full-size trucks.

Smarter electrical system
An advanced multiplexed electrical architecture increases processing power, reliability/durability and diagnostic capability. It supports the new instrument cluster’s ability to monitor and report on 20 system functions. A new GM Oil Life System even tells drivers when to change oil. The electrical architecture also supports new features like dual-level air bags (on light-duty models), lockout prevention, retained accessory power and battery rundown protection.

Enhanced comfort, safety
Improved interiors provide more supportive front seats, better lighting, higher quality fit-and-finish on panels, safer trim and an improved headliner. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been upgraded. And there are integrated armrests, door pull handles, window and lock control switches and mirrors. Front doors include integral storage pockets. An added storage tray, twin trip odometers, a second power point, a third console cupholder, loop-style coat hooks and more durable 12-ounce carpeting are also provided.

In addition to the new levels of comfort, Savana meets the 2003 federal head impact standards. The front-seat dual-level air bag system, standard in models up to 8,600 pounds GVW, is a supplemental restraint system designed to detect vehicle deceleration and, based on the deceleration data, provides an appropriate amount of air bag inflation. The dual-level air bag system senses the severity of crash and determines whether to deploy the air bag with primary or ‘lower’ amount of inflation or with primary and secondary ‘higher’ amount of inflation. Sensors located in the front of the vehicle work with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM) to measure the severity of the impact. The SDM uses the data to make a determination on the type of air-bag deployment (first stage or second stage) or non-deploy. Dual-stage air bags are designed to help reduce the occurrence of inflation-induced injuries by deploying the air bag less forcefully in lower -speed crashes.

Other safety enhancements include driver and front passenger belts, with pre-tensioners and energy-absorbing retractors; three-point lap-and-shoulder belts in all first- and second-row seating positions and a child seat tether-type restraint anchorage system in passenger vans. New rearview mirrors, available on some models, offer integrated turn signals, along with their remote control, electrically heated, manually folding features. Daytime running lamps are standard.

For added safety and security, GM’s factory-installed OnStar system is available in passenger and conversion van models for the first time. OnStar is the nation’s leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technology. OnStar services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location, remote door unlock, emergency services dispatch, roadside assistance, remote diagnostics, route support, convenience services and OnStar Concierge. OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls through a nationwide network in coo

at 500 makes headlines once more, as befits an authentic Made in Italy icon. This time its an original Fiat 500 show car dedicated to the most famous fashion doll ever: Barbie. This exceptional vehicle, created by a partnership between the Fiat Centro Stile and Mattel, will be given officially to Barbie on 9 March next, at her fiftieth birthday celebrations in Milan.

Its a fashionista car but quite tongue-in-cheek and with lots of charm: just like Barbie herself. The gleaming paintwork resembles varnish and definitely makes for a shock effect, achieved with deep lacquered colour using ultra fine aluminium plunged in deep, up-to-the-minute pink. The seating is upholstered in strikingly soft fabrics: silver laminated Alcantara is not only trendy but plush to the touch and its glimmer bounces as far as the roof panel. Then there are mats enhanced with natural silk yarn and sleek viscose, not to mention lip glosses in brilliant colours stored in the glove compartment, plus a LED-decked vanity mirror to ensure perfect application. And there’s more. The car has more features than a crown has jewels! Crystals sparkle on interior bezels, hubcaps, outer window mouldings and antenna and even outline the dolls famed silhouette on the pillars. Lastly, this Fiat 500 show car also has its own glossy cover, featuring the distinctive Sixties version of the Fiat 500 and a Barbie autograph.

The latest Fiat 500 show car will appear in public for the first time on Monday 9 March, from 6.30pm onwards, when it will race through the quintessential streets of Milans fashion district. Barbie will be aboard and she’ll have her own special driver: Ken, of course. On arriving at the entrance to La Rinascente department store, in Piazza Duomo, Barbie will leave the car and walk the unique pink carpet created just for her. The band Nena will be playing live in the background, reviving some of the most famous pop songs from the fifty years of the legendary fashion doll’s existence.

Roberto Giolito, creator of the Fiat 500, had this to say about the Mattel-Fiat partnership scheme: All-American Ms Barbie already has a number of transport solutions available, like thundering GTs and motor homes with endless accessories. So if shes spotted a 500 and wants one as a gift for this landmark birthday, its a signal typical of modern times that theres a renewed need for dreaming the simple things in life, which give so much, allow us to lighten up, thrill whos born beautiful or just feels beautiful, but doesnt have to prove anything. After all, Barbie already has everything. Sleek Barbie is a looker, smart enough to listen to everyone, a universal ambassador opting for a car that never divides but frees everyone from having to declare their social status. The new 2009 version celebrates her birthday with a model that offers a better view of the sun and the stars, all the better for continuing to dream, especially daydr

how calendar for many years. Fiat Professional plans to mark the event by introducing the original ‘Portofino’ show van based on the innovative Fiorino, the smallest model in the range.

The new ‘Portofino’ show van, an original and explicit hymn to freedom of movement, came about in a manner very typical of the Camper sector: i.e. partly through the initiative of Vernagallo-Holiday, a conversion company that specialises in small recreational vehicles – and partly through a joint venture with SALT, a body builder that specialises in the tuning and preparation of special and exclusive vehicles. These are the ingredients of the ‘Portofino’, an authentic show van that is not simply an exercise in styling but a specific interpretation of a model that was originally designed for ease of conversion by body builders.

The ‘Portofino’ is a contemporary twist on the legendary beach buggy, the open-topped cars that were built onto some small Fiat models by a few imaginative Italian bodybuilders in the 1960s. At this particular point in the past, cars were not seen as badges of wealth – and luxury was a lifestyle. The roots of the ‘Portofino’ show van lie in this particular tradition of Italian styling and exclusivity.

The latest addition to the Fiat Professional range is also a useful and practical vehicle, exactly as you would expect of a recreational vehicle for holiday and leisure use. Hence Fiat’s decision to choose the recreational vehicle motor shows (2008/09 season) as an international stage for the ‘Portofino’ show van world premiere. This is undoubtedly an unusual choice for a car-maker that would normally tend to concentrate on corporate advertising at this type of event. The decision to showcase Fiat Professional confirms Fiat’s commitment to this market and its consistent interest in recreational vehicle shows where visitors can revel in the idea of freedom, entertainment and unique lifestyle choices.

All the benefits of the new ‘Portofino’ vehicle
The conversion is based on a Fiorino Combi – the entry level people-carrying version of the range – from which the vehicle takes all its winning features: it can accommodate 5 people, for example, in conditions of absolute comfort and safety. Its flexibility is also assured by a 1/3 – 2/3 split rear seat that may be removed to allow very bulky items and tools to be carried. Due to its trim dimensions – approximately 4 metres long and 1.7 metres wide – and turning circle of less than 10 metres, the vehicle can handle itself with equanimity in any situation and place.

Outside, the ‘Portofino’ show van is notable for certain styling traits. First and foremost, the open-topped body benefits from the original body’s natural configuration with markings and grooves on the side that convincingly support the new vehicle silhouette. The passenger compartment doors have also disappeared though the rear swing doors keep their original hinge arrangement to enable them to contain the generous load compartment effectively. And more: The windscreen is original while the rollbar-like central ring, typical of a sporty off-road vehicle, gives the show van a decided appearance of sturdiness and dynamism (while also ensuring sufficient stiffness, in conjunction with the substantial reinforcements around the side member and rear).

Inside, the ‘Portofino’ wastes no time in setting out its mission statement. It looks for all the world like an open-air sitting room with a nautical flavour, with lashings of innovative flair. The seats are upholstered with lively, sophisticated fabrics; natural fibres treated using a special waterproofing process. The interior flooring takes the form of a special hull trimmed with a wood finish while the original dashboard has been repainted to reflect the overall light-filled, sophisticated look of the internal finish. A covered version will be available at a later stage for protection against sun and rain.

The interplay of colours is a sight to behold: earth tones on the inside and sun tones on the outside. This original, bold combination gives the show van a uplifting and sophisticated look. Special contrasting colours on the sides (anthracite and orange) are also repeated on the front bumpers and rear doors, to create a play of colours that reflects the same colour combination as the interiors. The reference to the exclusive seaside resort of Portofino is clear: a heady blend of style, colour, exclusivity and holidays – all in the very best of Italian taste.

The ‘Portofino’ show van also benefits from all the Fiorino model versions:
smooth and spirited engines –1.4 petrol and 1.3 Multijet units (the latter also available with DPF and CO2 levels lower than 120 g/km) – that offer driving satisfaction, outstanding performance, low running costs and also reliability and respect for the environment;
a special ‘traction  device that increases vehicle traction to ensure the vehicle can get out of trouble, even in sticky situations;
speed block system that locks the top speed (part

buyers will be able to choose from a variety of finished leather and the surface, and a sound system of two options: 12-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound, or, more compact system specially developed 12-speaker is 37 percent lighter.While the suspension system, using double wishbones and coil-over dampers and features a multi-link arrangement at the front. While in the
back using a coil-over dampers.peed ?acceleration from 0-100 km / h reached in 3.7 seconds. Maximum sustained speed of 325 kilometers per hour. For convenience and safety, this car uses carbon ceramic brake rotors made from behind the wheel Speed ?acceleration from 0-100 km / h reached in 3.7 seconds. Maximum sustained speed of 325 kilometers per hour. For convenience and safety, this car uses carbon ceramic brake rotors made from behind the wheel mounted beukuran 20 inches.mounted beukuran 20 inchesdynamic sports car and has a detailed draw the eye wherever you choose to scan. You could mistake it for a mid-engine (which simply extends the channel from the rear door-mounted radiator and brake cooling food helped push the illusion), and in the sense that-but the front mid-engine, balanced with rear-mounted 6-speed single clutch paddle-shift gearbox to the weight distribution of 50/50. There are catfish look to the fascia slightly forward, a melange of round and triangular cutouts, and they scoop the middle climbing polycarbonate rear quarter window

For us it is a machine A7 sound quality, which should also be reflected in performance management is” explains Christian abt. Traditional Bavarian company’s director general, who is responsible for technical development, and explains the A7 to meet the high demands of its owner, both as a premium road cars and as a sports car. This applies to every TFSI 3,0 and 3.0 TDI. “We believe that diesel engines completely A7 claims resolution and the highest possible level as it combines the unbridled power in the economy” says Christian abt. Father, standard series 245 hp (180 kW) 282 hp strong the increased power (207 kW) to. High torque 450 Nm to 500 Nm is even more impressive reach. Turbo charger used SPORTSLINE father “home”, as her father with a strong body turbo diesel great work, and so street Sportback 310 hp (228 kW) does. High vehicle for both a firm determination and with 610 nm high and in each case provides fast acceleration torque. A7 a real sports car with the gasoline engine to be refused because my father to the authorities. Now offers six-cylinder 410 (302 kW) 300 hp HP standard range (221 kW), compared with.

arger has come to use the VGT turbocharger as its choice among many other types of turbochargers. Thi
s is a grand quality pick up truck that is known for its utility and grand lifestyle. Its frugal engine design is one of the best things that can be utilized.

Apart from being a 4WD truck it is used for the greatest uses of offroad trek and the frugal diesel engine trend.This happens to dimiss some of the best Hilux uniqueness with its comparatively weaker engine. The engine thrives on a horse power of 100 hp only and 260 Nm. This strength of torque makes in one of the mild tuning engine driven trucks.

The truck also cools its engine pretty easily not requiring any external source of an intercooler.The changes in the powerful version of the Hilux is all about launching some of the best features known in its line so far. The new version has just been launched in Thailand with some raving reviews following it so fa

Drive: While turbocharged engines are mostly related with auto racing, solon and statesman are state adapted to familiar driving use. Not exclusive does Audi’s 2.0 TFSI redeem an dramatic  h.p., it also produces 258 lb-ft of pulling-power force.

The A4 2.0 TFSI uses a water-cooled, low somaesthesia turbocharger and joint with Audi’s valve-lift group the engine can hit extreme force at retributive 1,500 rpm. It’s not a fast hotfoot of knowledge but you may individual to rev the engine a short higher (with the exercise tranny) to get int

ter two DTM title wins, the Audi A4 DTM comprising the R14 and R14 plus model generations (2008 and 2009 respectively) remains unbeaten and will line up to compete again in 2010. But this time, it will be without the usual technological advances, as a result of the development freeze imposed on all the DTM manufacturers. The technological development of the vehicles has been all but entirely prohibited since 17 August 2009, with a view to maximising the series’ economic efficiency.

This also applies to the engines, which were sealed for the entire season at the beginning of 2009. One final detail, namely the choice of dampers, was codified on 1 March 2010. Audi has three aerodynamic configurations that were developed prior to the introduction of the development freeze, each of which is used depending on the racetrack in question. As far as chassis kinematics are concerned, only the camber, toe and vehicle height may now be adjusted. The usual computer-generated simulations are therefore now only of limited use and Audi now focuses its testing activities on the optimum use of Dunlop tyres.

In order to ascertain whether the manufacturers are complying with the new regulations, each manufacturer has been required by the German Motorsport Federation (DMSB) to put together a set of reference parts in a discrete sealed container provided by the DMSB, which is then taken to every race. The DMSB has also been furnished with CAD records of the vehicles’ construction.

The stipulated minimum weight of the 2009 vehicles remains unchanged at 1,050 kilograms including the driver, while the regulations prescribe that the 2008 models must each weigh at least 1,025 kilograms. The rule stipulating that the ballast weight is dependent on the vehicle’s previous rankings no longer appli

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